UCD Engineers Tech start-up CALT Dynamics selected for TechStars US accelerator
Tuesday, 17 July, 2018
Colin Keogh (CMO), Irene Villafane (COO) & Ross Lawless (CEO,CTO) of CALT Dynamics
CALT Dynamics, the Irish based tech start-up that is developing high precision photolithography based 3D printers, has been accepted into a prestigious TechStars accelerator program in the US. The founders have been working as research engineers in UCD, in the 3D printing, engineering and biology sectors. Ross Lawless (CEO), has worked as an engineer in the Conway Institute, while Colin Keogh (BE Mechanical Engineering, ME Energy Systems, PhD) & Irene Villafane (MSc Environmental Technology) are both UCD engineering Alumni, working as engineers in the university since they completed their studies.
TechStars is one of the most competitive accelerator programs in the world, with less than 1% of applicants accepted. CALT Dynamics have won a place on the new Stanley Black & Decker Additive Manufacturing Accelerator program based in Hartford, Connecticut. CALT Dynamics CEO Ross Lawless said the company was delighted to be accepted onto the program, after a very rigorous and competitive selection process”. “The mentorship and support provided by TechStars will rapidly progress CALT Dynamics and help us reach a wider audience. TechStars will help take us onto the global stage of additive manufacturing. CALT is about decentralising technology and this is going to help us achieve that goal".
CALT Dynamics design and manufacture high precision stereolithography based 3D printers, which allow new levels of speed, precision and usability and at a lower price point than that of previously available systems. Originally launched in 2014 by Ross Lawless, CALT Dynamics was relaunched in 2017, with the addition of two new founders, Irene Villafane and Colin Keogh. The trio of engineers have been working in the 3D printing space for several years, and were always underwhelmed at the complexity, speed and precision of current 3D printing systems. “We have always wanted more from any 3D printing system we have used, higher resolution, faster printing, lower cost. We think these are vital if additive is to rapidly grow into more markets. Varying manufacturing needs require different printing methods and we plan to provide the solutions needed in a range of sectors” said CALT Dynamics CMO, Colin Keogh.
The CALT Dynamics team has a strong social conscience and wants to help increase the impact 3D printing can have on the world. They have been working with several projects and institutions, from universities to global NGO’s, to help provide improved output from 3D printers. They are keen to help address the UN’s global SDG’s, and already made a mark in the industrial and social fields, with team accolades including Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) & Forbes 30 Under 30 along with collaborations with the UN, Irish Government and other global charities. “We’re excited to develop creative solutions that have a positive social impact” said COO Irene Villafane.
The team joins a group of other pioneering manufacturing start-ups from around the world in a new custom-built manufacturing accelerator in Hartford, Connecticut. The other start-ups include Mani.Me, NanoQuan, Micron3DP, AstroPrint, Strucur3D, Castor, DisTech Automation, and Kwambio. CALT Dynamics will use this experience and support to kick off an initial funding round, searching for investment from around the world.
Each start-up receives $120,000 in funding, office & workshop space in a tailor made additive manufacturing facility in Hartford, Connecticut, and an intense 90-day accelerator programme, during which they will receive mentorship, training and support to rapidly grow their business. The program starts July 16th, 2018, culminating in a "Demo Day," on October 11th, 2018, at which CALT will present the company in front of a contingent of TechStars, Stanley Black and Decker and private investors.
About CALT Dynamics:
CALT Dynamics, is an Irish based company that focuses on the design, production and application of innovative advanced decentralising technologies. We operate in the additive manufacturing, AR/VR, Vertical farming and innovation sectors. CALT is currently developing two state-of-the-art stereolithography 3D printers to release in 2018. CALT stands for computer aided life technologies. More information is available on www.CALTdynamics.com.